Can you put a column on each side of the garage that matches the column on the left side of the porch?

No

I don't think you even need the one post. The roof doesn't extend that far that it can be supported by the wall and overhang structure.

IMO, these white trim strips look odd. I’d do away with them. Or paint them the same color as the body.

Unfortunately the builder says that I need a supporting post there! I loved your no post idea

I don’t think just one post looks bad. If it were a straight column and painted the color of siding it wouldn’t stand out as much.

I think the white trim pieces on the garage and the post style are wrong. I agree a simple post painted the same as the siding and those white trim pieces gone or the same color as the siding

I'd save some money and nix the stone veneer and just do the gray shingled siding. There is no reason to have three different siding treatments on any house, but especially a small one. It is not adding anything to what otherwise could be a cute cottage. I second the proposed addition of shutters and would put them on the upstairs window too. Agree the white strips on garage make no sense. I'd put a barn light above the garage door, and do a wood garage door if possible since it is so prominent.

I know in my area even small overhangs need to be able to withstand hurricane-force winds, which I presume is why the post is needed (rather than just being able to support its weight in normal conditions). I don't really mind the one post, but maybe it can be supported by a pretty decorative bracket instead?

This house on the lake is actually 3 levels and 4000 sq ft so I don’t consider it a cottage. We have stone at basement level lakeside also. We are looking at using all cedar shake (along with stone) on this roadside view and lake view. Dark grey siding on both sides. Like your additional ideas.

Use the stone up to the first floor only, as if it were a real foundation holding up the house. Then the upper story and a half is one material- shingle sounds nice. Repeat the stone in other areas like landscaping and porch floor.

I agree-no post. Also, wouldn't you like that window upstairs to be centered or maybe make a double (two) window there? Also like the revision Beverly did with shutters on the lower window. They balance the space better than the wondow without shutters.